Since the beginning of this year, the popularity of cross-border tourism between China and Vietnam has remained high, and tourists from both countries have shown a strong desire to travel to each other's country and experience each other's culture.
In summer 2024, Vietnam became the most preferred tourist destination in Asia for Chinese tourists. According to statistics from the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Vietnam received 1.4 million international tourist visits in the first five months of 2024, of which 357,000 were Chinese tourist visits, making China the largest source country for inbound tourism to Vietnam. The number of Chinese tourists visiting Vietnam is expected to continue to increase in the next few years.
People from Vietnam have also shown enthusiasm about visiting China, thanks to streamlined visa application procedures and easy payment policies for foreign visitors.
"These days, many Vietnamese tourists come to China for short trips, usually organized by companies, or with relatives and friends," said Wu Guiqun, a Chinese tour guide in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which borders Vietnam.
"I guide three to five groups a week. Vietnamese people love visiting nearby places like Dongxing in Guangxi because the border crossing is easy and the costs are reasonable," said Liang Shiqiu, a Vietnamese tour guide.
Vietnamese tourists in Guangxi said they enjoyed the delicious food, the scenery, and the local lifestyle.
"The dishes are very delicious, and the soup is very tasty. I’m already full, but I still want to keep eating," said Nguyen Thi, a Vietnamese tourist enjoying Chinese food at a restaurant.
"I tasted local specialty foods, saw different people and street scenes, and I felt that every moment was very special," said Nguyen Ba Oanh, another Vietnamese tourist.
"In terms of price, it is a bit more expensive than in Vietnam, but I think some things are fresher and worth the price," said Thai Thi Thanh, a Vietnamese tourist purchasing goods at a supermarket.
China-Vietnam cross-border tourism remains hot in 2024
